Overflow prevention device

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses for removing excess water from a swimming pool, including a device that measures the level of water in a tank that corresponds to water in a swimming pool. Upon the water level rising above a predetermined maximum amount, a switch in the tank actuates a pump located in the tank and water is pumped from the pool to either be stored or removed from the property containing the swimming pool. Upon water dropping below the predetermined maximum amount the switch deactivates the pump.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an apparatus for preventing swimming pools and other small bodies of water from overflowing and, more particularly, to an apparatus that measures the water level of a swimming pool and upon the water level passing beyond a preset maximum level removing the water from the swimming pool until the water level is lowered below the preset maximum level.

2. Description of Related Art

Swimming pools and other small bodies of water are prone to overflowing and causing damage to surrounding areas. Particularly when swimming pools overflow the water spilling over the edges can cause damage to the outer surfaces of the sides of the swimming pool. Additionally, the water can cause soil sitting below the surface to compress and/or erode.

Prior art systems have focused on gutter systems that catch water after overflowing a swimming pool. Such systems have the drawback of requiring the gutters being installed outside of the top lip of the swimming pool. Water flowing over the lip may cause damage to the lip as the water passes over it. Further, as the gutter is placed in the ground around the outer perimeter of the pool, the structural integrity of the swimming pool may be diminished. Such gutter systems are also prone to collecting leaves and other debris that cause the gutters to clog.

Yet other prior art systems provide a reservoir or cistern that catches water that overflows a given level within the pool. Such prior art systems require a large area to hold the reservoir or cistern. These system also require the outlet port to feed the reservoir be placed at the overflow level where leaves and other debris collect on the water's surface. Such debris can clog the outlet port preventing water from flowing into the reservoir or cistern.

Both the prior art gutter systems and reservoir or cistern systems also have the drawback of only being applicable to only in-ground swimming pools.

The aforementioned and other shortcomings are illustrative rather than exhaustive. Conventional approaches my have yet other drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for removing excess water from a pool. The apparatus includes: a tank that receives water from the pool, a water level in the tank corresponding to a water level in the pool; an adjustable switch that is set to a predetermined maximum level that the water level in the tank and correspondingly in the pool should not exceed; and a pump electrically connected to that adjustable switch pumps water out of the tank through an attached interior output pipe to an attached exterior output pipe upon receiving a signal to begin pumping from the adjustable switch. Upon water rising in the pool and correspondingly rising in the tank, the rising water level passing the predetermined maximum level triggers the adjustable switch to cause the pump to begin pumping, and the pump pumps water from the tank and correspondingly from the pool. Upon the water level dropping below the predetermined maximum level the adjustable switch causes the pump to stop pumping.

Yet in another aspect of the present invention provides a device for removing excess water from a swimming pool. The device includes a vertical post configured to be inserted into the swimming pool and receive water from the swimming pool. The vertical post includes: a pump that pumps water outside of the vertical post, a switch that determines a maximum water level and is connected to the pump, upon water rising above the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to begin pumping, and upon water falling below the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to stop pumping. The device also includes: a horizontal arm connected to the vertical post and configured to rest on a horizontal surface around an upper surface of an outer perimeter of the swimming pool and further prevents the vertical post from being inserted into the swimming pool below a given depth; and a conduit attached to the vertical post that carries water away the water from the vertical post.

Yet in another aspect of the present invention provides a device for removing excess water from a swimming pool. The device includes: a vertical post configured to be inserted into the swimming pool and receive water from the swimming pool. The vertical post includes: a pump that pumps water outside of the vertical post and a switch that determines a maximum water level and is connected to the pump. Upon water rising above the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to begin pumping. Upon water falling below the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to stop pumping, the device also includes a conduit attached to the vertical post that carries water away the water from the vertical post.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is neither intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor should it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantage noted in any part of this application.

The aforementioned and/or other features, aspects, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings; possibly inferable from the detailed description and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1. is a cutaway view of an in-ground swimming pool overflow prevention device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2. is a cutaway view of an above-ground swimming pool overflow prevention device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of an adjustable switch for setting a maximum water level for an overflow protection device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-B are perspective views of the in-ground and above-ground swimming pool overflow prevention devices in use consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of at least one embodiment or implementation, it is to be understood that the legal scope of protection of this application is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments and/or implementations are both contemplated and possible , using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims

It is to be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this application using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘ ’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

FIG. 1. is a cutaway view of an in-ground swimming pool overflow prevention device 100. The exterior of device 100 is preferably constructed of a vinyl or polyvinyl chloride forming a vertically elongated box 101 with a cap 103 and bottom plate 105. The elongated box in at least one embodiment is constructed of a five-inch by five-inch fence post, the post having an exterior surface 110 and interior 111. The device 101 is installed in the ground 107 in proximity to an in-ground swimming pool 109. The interior 111 (alternatively tank) of the vertically elongated box 101 contains a pump 113, an adjustable switch 115, interior output pipe 117, exterior output pipe 119 and valve 121.

In operation the device 101 receives water 123 from the in-ground swimming pool 109 through exterior input pipe 124. The water 123 fills the interior 111 of the vertically elongated box 101. The water 123 fills the interior 111 of the vertically elongated box 101 to the water level 125. As the device 100 and the in-ground swimming pool 109 are in proximity to each other, the water level 125 will be the same in the in-ground swimming pool 109 and device 100.

If during a rainstorm or other activity that causes the in-ground swimming pool 109 to receive water 123, the water level 125 rises to the level 126 in both the in-ground swimming pool 109 and in the interior 111 of the device 100. As the water level 125 rises the water 123 comes into contact with the adjustable switch 115. The adjustable switch 115 contains a flood free switch (not shown) that receives power via insulated electrical cord 127. When the flood free switch comes into contact with water 123 the switch is open and a signal is sent via signal cord 129 to the pump 113 to begin pumping water 123.

Alternatively, the device 100 has only two electrical cords 127 and 131 and no signal cord 129. In this configuration, the electrical cord 131 for the pump 113 plugs into a unit (not shown) of the flood free switch, which has a female power adapter for receiving the plug at the end of the electrical cord 131. When the flood free switch opens, power is send via electrical cord 131 to the pump 113 and the pump begins to pump water 123.

As long as the flood free switch is open, the pump 113 receiving power via electrical cord 131 continues to pump water 123 up through the interior output pipe 117. When the water 123 reaches the exterior output pipe 119 it is diverted out towards a pipe or hose (not shown) attached to the exterior output pipe 119, which takes the water 123 away from the area of the in ground swimming pool 209. Advantageously, the pipe or hose takes the water 123 to a spillway (not shown), dry-well (not shown), sewage system (not shown) or other means of carrying away unwanted water.

As the pump 113 continues to pump the water 123 out of the interior 111 of the device 100, water flows from the in-ground swimming pool 109 through the exterior input pipe 124 thereby reducing the water level 125 in the in-ground swimming pool 109. It will be understood that the water level 125 will be lowered at the same rate in the interior 111 of the device 100 as in the in-ground swimming pool 109 by the pump 113.

When the water level 125 falls below a predetermined maximum water level 133 on the adjustable switch 115, the flood free switch closes causing the pump 113 to stop pumping. The exterior output pipe 125 feeds a pipe or hose to carry the water away from the pool and it is assumed that the pipe will carry the water down hill. As such, even though pump 113 is not running water 123 can continue to be siphoned from the interior 111 of the device 100. To prevent siphoning, the valve 121 attached above the exterior output pipe 125 is spring loaded to change the pressure in the interior output pipe 117 to prevent syphoning. In other words, during pumping the pressure in the interior output pipe 117 is positive, but when the pump 113 stops, the pressure in the interior output pipe 117 becomes negative. The valve 121 is spring loaded and set to open when the pressure becomes negative allowing air to enter the interior output pipe 117, thereby preventing the syphoning.

The cap 103 on the top of the elongated box 101 is detachable such that the handle 134 on the adjustable switch 115 can be rotated to either raise or lower the flood free switch in order to change predetermined maximum water level 133.

FIG. 2. is a cutaway view of an above-ground swimming pool overflow prevention device 200. The exterior of device 200 is preferably constructed of a vinyl or polyvinyl chloride forming a vertically elongated box 101, a horizontally elongated box 201 with a cap 103 and bottom cap 205(a) and (b) and end cap 206. The a horizontally elongated box 201 is attached through the vertically elongated box 101 at a right angle near the top of the vertically elongated box 101. The device 200 is installed by placing the vertically elongated box 101 into the above ground swimming pool 209 until the horizontally elongated box 201 meets a deck or lip 243 of the swimming pool 209.

The vertically elongated box 101 will rest against the side 241 of the above ground swimming pool 209. The vertically elongated box 101 is further constructed with a set of rubber or nylon bumpers 245 to keep the vertically elongated box 101 from rubbing against the side 241 of the above ground swimming pool 209. It will be understood that the set of rubber or nylon bumpers 245 may be adjustable to ensure the vertically elongated box 101 (alternatively post) is kept on a true vertical plane.

The horizontally elongated box 201 (alternatively arm) may also include a further set of rubber or nylon bumpers (not shown) to keep the horizontally elongated box 201 on a true horizontal plane. To aid in determining whether the horizontally elongated box 201 and vertically elongated box 101 are on their respective true planes, a pair of bubble levels 247 and 249 are respectively placed on the x and y axis of the horizontally elongated box 201.

The interior 111 (alternatively tank) of the vertically elongated box 101 contains a pump 113, an adjustable switch 115, interior output pipe 117, exterior output pipe 219 and valve 221.

In operation the device 200 receives water 123 from the swimming pool 209 through bottom cap 205(a). The bottom cap 205(a) is show in a bottom view 205(b) having a set of non-clogging inlet ports 251 on each face of the bottom cap 205(b). The water 123 fills the interior 111 of the vertically elongated box 101. The water 123 fills interior 111 of the vertically elongated box 101 to the water level 125. It will be understood as the device 200 is inserted into the above ground swimming pool 209, the water level 125 will be the same in the above ground swimming pool 209 and device 200.

If during a rainstorm or other activity that causes the above ground swimming pool 209 to receive water 123, the water level 125 rises to a level 126 in both the above ground swimming pool 209 and in the interior 111 of the device 200. As the water level 125 rises the water 123 comes into contact with the adjustable switch 115. The adjustable switch 115 contains a flood free switch (not shown) that receives power via insulated electrical cord 127. When the flood free switch comes into contact with water 123 the switch is open and a signal is sent via signal cord 129 to the pump 113 to begin pumping water 123.

As long as the flood free switch is open, the pump 113 receiving power via electrical cord 131 continues to pump water 123 up through the interior output pipe 117. When the water 123 reaches the exterior output pipe 219 it is diverted out towards a pipe or hose (not shown) attached to the exterior output pipe 219, which takes the water 123 away from the area of the above ground swimming pool 209. Advantageously, the pipe or hose takes the water 123 to a spillway (not shown), dry-well (not shown), sewage system (not shown) or other means of carrying away unwanted water below the grade of the exterior output pipe 219.

As the pump 113 continues to pump the water 123 out of the interior 111 of the device 100, water flows from the above ground swimming pool 209 through the exterior input pipe 124 thereby reducing the water level 125 in the above ground swimming pool 209. It will be understood that the water level 125 will be lowered at the same rate in the interior 111 of the device 200 as in the above ground swimming pool 209 by the pump 113.

When the water level 125 falls below a predetermined maximum water level 133 on the adjustable switch 115, the flood free switch closes causing the pump 113 to stop pumping. The exterior output pipe 219 feeds a pipe or hose to carry the water 123 away from the above ground swimming pool 209 it is assumed that the pipe will carry the water down hill. As such, even though pump 113 is not pumping, water 123 can continue to be siphoned from the interior 111 of the device 100. To prevent siphoning, the valve 121 attached above the exterior output pipe 119 is spring loaded to change the pressure in the interior output pipe 117 to prevent syphoning.

It will be understood that the cap 103 on the top of the elongated box 101 is detachable such that the handle 134 on the adjustable switch 115 can be rotated to either raise or lower the flood free switch in order to change predetermined maximum water level 133.

FIG. 3. is a perspective view of an adjustable switch 115 for setting a predetermined maximum water level 133 for the swimming pool overflow protection devices 100 and 200. The adjustable switch 115 is constructed from horizontal members 361 and 363. The horizontal members 361 and 363 are connected via vertical members 365 and 367. A threaded rod 368 extends through and between the horizontal members 361 and 363. On the top of the threaded rod 368 is a handle 134. Twisting the handle 134 causes the sled 369 to be lowered or raised along the threaded rod 368 in respect to the vertical members 365 and 367. A flood free switch 371 as in the type produced by Intellishield™ is attached to the sled 369 and has a set of arms 373 to hold onto the horizontal member 367. However, any type of switch that can turn on or cause power to be sent to a pump may be used.

The vertical member 367 has affixed thereon a series of horizontal lines that indicate the point at which the flood free switch 373 will open and signal or power the pump 113. The lines roughly correlate to the predetermined maximum water level 133.

FIGS. 4A-B are perspective views of the in-ground and above-ground swimming pool overflow prevention devices (100, 200) in use.

FIG. 4A shows the in-ground swimming pool overflow prevention device 100 buried in the ground 107 in proximity to the in-ground swimming pool 109. The device 100 receives water 123 via an exterior input port 124 and if the water 123 is above a predetermined maximum water level 133, then the water is pumped out of the exterior output pipe 119.

The system described above uses a 1200 gallon-per-hour (gph) pump 113 to quickly reduce the amount of water in a standard twenty by forty foot pool. However, it will be understood that larger pumps and a larger interior output pipe 117 could be used where the pool contains greater amounts of water 123. Additionally, instead of increasing the size of a pump 113 and interior output pipe 117, a series of the device 100 may be installed in proximity to the in ground swimming pool 109.

FIG. 4B shows the above ground swimming pool overflow prevention device 200 having the horizontally elongated box 202 sitting across the lip 445 of the above ground swimming pool 209 and the attached deck 443 and the vertically elongated box 101 inserted into the water 123 of the above ground swimming pool 209. In use, the end cap 206 is open as it pivots on a hinge (not shown). In this position, the male plugs (not shown) for electrical cords 127 and 131 can be retrieved from horizontally elongated box 201 and plugged into a ground fault interrupt (GFI) outlet (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, then above ground swimming pool overflow prevention device 200 can be used in an in-ground swimming pool 109 when the device 100 is not available when the in ground swimming pool 109 is installed.

The device 200 receives water 123 via a bottom cap 205 and if the water 123 is above a predetermined maximum water level 133, then the water is pumped out of the exterior output pipe 219 attached to a hose 419 that carries the water 123 away from the above ground swimming pool 209.

Examples of various features/aspects/components/operations have been provided to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. In addition, various preferences have been discussed to facilitate understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that all examples and preferences disclosed herein are intended to be non-limiting.

Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described individually, it is to be understood that at least aspects of the described embodiments may be combined.

Although selected embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for removing excess water from a pool, the apparatus comprising: a tank that receives water from the pool, a water level in the tank corresponding to a water level in the pool; an adjustable switch that is set to a predetermined maximum level that the water level in the tank and correspondingly in the pool should not exceed; and a pump electrically connected to that adjustable switch pumps water out of the tank through an attached interior output pipe to an attached exterior output pipe upon receiving a signal to begin pumping from the adjustable switch, wherein upon water rising in the pool and correspondingly rising in the tank, the rising water level passing the predetermined maximum level triggers the adjustable switch to cause the pump to begin pumping, and wherein the pump pumps water from the tank and correspondingly from the pool, upon the water level dropping below the predetermined maximum level the adjustable switch causes the pump to stop pumping.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a valve connected to and interior output pipe, the valve prevents water from being syphoned out of the tank when the pump stops pumping water.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pool is an in-ground pool and the tank is installed in the ground in proximity to the in-ground pool.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an exterior input pipe that receives water via a filtration system attached to the pool.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arm horizontally oriented and attached to the tank, the arm configured to rest on the lip of or a deck proximal to the outer circumference of an above ground swimming pool, the arm arresting a downward movement of the tank into the pool.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the arm further comprises an end cap, the end cap including a hinge or pivot point that allows the end cap to be opened relative to the arm to access power cords stored within the arm.
 7. A device for removing excess water from a swimming pool, the device comprising: a vertical post configured to be inserted into the swimming pool and receive water from the swimming pool, the vertical post including: a pump that pumps water outside of the vertical post; a switch that determines a maximum water level and is connected to the pump, upon water rising above the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to begin pumping, and upon water falling below the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to stop pumping; a horizontal arm connected to the vertical post and configured to rest on a horizontal surface around an upper surface of an outer perimeter of the swimming pool and further prevents the vertical post from being inserted into the swimming pool below a given depth; and a conduit attached to the vertical post that carries water away the water from the vertical post.
 8. The device of claim 7, further comprising: an internal pipe attached to the pump; and a valve attached to the internal pipe, the valve prevents water from being syphoned out of the swimming pool when the pump stops pumping water.
 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the vertical post further comprises a removable top cap that in a removed position allows access to a handle, the handle twistable to adjust the maximum water level.
 10. The device of claim 7, wherein the horizontal arm further comprises an openable end cap that in an opened position allows access to power cords of the pump and switch.
 11. The device of claim 7, wherein the pump and the switch are electrically actuated.
 12. A device for removing excess water from a swimming pool, the device comprising: a vertical post configured to be inserted into the ground proximal to the swimming pool and receives water from the swimming pool via an input conduit from the swimming pool, the vertical post including: a pump that pumps water outside of the vertical post; a switch that determines a maximum water level and is connected to the pump, where upon water rising above the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to begin pumping, and where upon water falling below the maximum water level, the switch actuates the pump to stop pumping; and a conduit attached to the vertical post that carries water away the water from the vertical post.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprises: an internal pipe attached to the pump; and a valve attached to the internal pipe, the valve prevents water from being syphoned out of the swimming pool when the pump stops pumping water.
 14. The device of claim 12, the vertical post further comprises a removable top cap that in a removed position allows access to a handle, the handle twistable to adjust the maximum water level.
 15. The device of claim 12, wherein the pump and the switch are electrically actuated. 